LAKE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – A 38-year-old Lake County man is sentenced to life in prison for child sex offense charges.
Arrest
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) executed a search warrant at Jesse Allen Kiefer’s home on September 14, 2023.
Officials say they obtained the warrant after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children linking Kiefer to an account sending “illicit” material that reportedly depicted child sexual abuse.
Officials say they interviewed Kiefer when they executed a search warrant at his home. They report that Kiefer confessed to owning and managing the account in question. He also acknowledged having files of child pornography. Kiefer informed officials that he took the photos and shared them with others.
Hearing/Outcome
The hearing for Kiefer took place last week. The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office says they had “substantial” evidence linking Kiefer to these crimes.
Kiefer was found guilty on a multitude of charges, including:
- Sexual Battery on a Child Less than 12
- Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child less than 12 (2 counts)
- Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition in the Presence of a Child (3 counts)
- Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (7 counts)
- Possession of Child Pornography (8 counts)
“We are sending a strong message to predators everywhere; our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will not tolerate this abhorrent behavior,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our top priority is the protection of our children, and as long as there are predators seeking to harm them, we will dedicate our resources to apprehend and prosecute these offenders.”